Vein Clinic

If you have varicose veins, it is important to know that they can be more than just a cosmetic concern. These swollen, painful veins are often linked to vein disease and other health issues that can affect your quality of life. Fortunately, a physician evaluation and vein care plan can significantly improve symptoms and lifestyle.

The vascular specialists at the Lee's Summit Medical Center Vein Clinic will work with you to create a care plan to get you back on your feet and living life to the fullest. Our expert vascular surgeons and board certified interventional cardiologists are specially trained in diagnosing and treating vascular disease (which can affect the superficial veins, deep veins and arteries). Because they are trained in vascular disease, not just vein disease, they are able to perform a complete evaluation and pinpoint the true cause of your symptoms and develop an optimal care plan. We use cutting-edge technology, research and minimally invasive procedures for the best possible outcomes. And with all of these experts right here at Lee's Summit Medical Center, the relief you need isn’t far from home.

To find a vein specialist and schedule an evaluation, call or click below:

Vein Treatment Options

If you have bulging veins or varicose vein symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, it may be time to take the next step and see a vein specialist. After a physical exam and evaluation, your cardiologist may refer you for a duplex ultrasound (an ultrasound of the legs used to look for valve failure in the veins) to confirm diagnosis and provide more information to develop a treatment plan.

Treatment options include:

Compression Stockings

This is a first-line, non-invasive treatment used to apply pressure to the legs and improve blood flow. Some insurance companies may require three to nine months of use before covering minimally invasive treatment.

Venous Ablation

There are two types of venous ablation, radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation. Radiofrequency venous ablation is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure where problematic veins are closed from the inside using a microwave type energy and ultrasound guidance. Laser venous ablation is performed the same way only using laser energy to seal the vein.

Venous ablation is an outpatient procedure that is low-risk and performed using a local anesthetic. The procedure can take about an hour.

Recovery and Results

About one to three days following the procedure, your Kansas City vein doctor will send you for a duplex ultrasound. This is to confirm that the vein is closed and is healing properly. You will have a follow-up visit with your doctor in about another 2 weeks and about a month after that to make sure your leg is progressively getting better and ensure you do not have additional symptoms or issues that need to be addressed.

It is recommended to take two 20-minute walks the afternoon after the procedure and one 20-minute walk once or twice a day there after. This is to help facilitate the movement of blood out of the leg through the deep venous system.

Most patients have significant improvement in their symptoms within a week. But many will have significant improvements within a couple days. The procedure can improve symptoms such as pain, swelling, aching, heaviness, fatigue, prominence of varicosities and sometimes improve neurologic symptoms (such as restless leg) if there was a venous trigger.

Vein Surgery

Vein Surgery (microphlembectomy) is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure used to surgically remove varicose veins. A local anesthetic is administered and your vein surgeon will make very tiny incisions to remove the troublesome vein. The surgery takes about an hour.

What are the Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may want to consider being evaluated.

Leg pain, heaviness or cramping

Swelling

Tightness

Varicose veins (veins that are dark purple or blue, appear twisted and bulging)

Skin discoloration, redness, open wounds, sores or ulcers

Itching

Fatigue

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are caused by the breakdown of the valve system in veins close to the skin. This breakdown prohibits the flow of blood back to the heart and causes it to pool in the lower legs. This increased volume of blood and pressure of that blood can cause pain.

Varicose veins commonly affect people as we age, but many people as young as their teens have the same issues with the disease. Additionally, women are more likely to have varicose veins than are men. Other risk factors include:

A family history of venous disease

Two or more pregnancies

Prolonged sitting or standing

Obesity or an increased body mass index

Leg injuries

Smoking

Birth control pills or hormone replacement

How do you Prevent Varicose Veins?

While there is not much you can do about your family history, there are some things you can do to help prevent or slow the development of venous disease.

Exercise! It can help pump venous blood out of the legs. People who exercise regularly may experience fewer venous symptoms.

Avoid heavy isometric exercise (lift heavy things).

Avoid prolonged standing or sitting.

Avoid smoking.

Knee surgeries or leg trauma can sometimes contribute to the development of chronic venous disease.

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Related Services

Get Your Legs Back!

Join us to learn if you are a candidate to get legs that feel great again and find the best treatment for your specific condition. The free Vein Clinic Educational Screenings are designed for participants to learn about venous insufficiency or varicose veins. All attendees must register in advance and complete a pre-screen questionnaire.